DIY Wedding Planning: Tips From a Pro Planner (page 3 of 3)

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Be diligent in hiring vendors. The last thing you want is a band whose lead singer cracks off-color jokes, or a caterer who puts out dry, cold food. "Get references and check them," Lisa says. "Taste food, sample product, ask questions. You are spending a lot of money on this day, even on a budget."

Anticipate challenges. Things can and do go wrong, and you'll need to prepare as best you can. One of the biggest tasks a planner takes on, Lisa says, is day-of logistics. "Who is going to put out the place cards?" she says. "Who cues the band? Who loads the leftover favors and alcohol in the car at the end of the night? Who sews a bridesmaid into a dress with a broken zipper? Those are just a few of the many — many — things that cross my plate almost every weekend."

Keep the process in perspective. No wedding, however well planned, is perfect. Yours won’t be, either, and that's OK. "It's important to remember that this is just one day and one party," Lisa says. "Try to enjoy the process of planning. It should be a fun time of decision-making and celebrating your engagement."